The Algoma community gathered earlier this week to honor the recipients of the new Beacon Awards.  Five categories covered the Business of the Year, Rising Star, the Lighthouse Award for Volunteering, Education and Employee of the Year.  Sara Krouse of the Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce says the winners all reflect perfectly the new Beacon Awards, formerly known as the BIE (Business, Industry and Education) Awards. 

The Business category went to Scenic Shore Inn.  The new Rising Star award was won by Yardstick: Bookshop and Gallery.  Algoma High School senior Abigail Robinson won the Lighthouse award her involvement with the Wolves and Pups Mentoring Program that pairs a high schooler and an elementary student.  The Education award went to Emily Rankin a paraprofessional at Algoma Elementary School who works with students with special needs.  Seth Schroepfer from CTI Hospitality was chosen for the Employee Award for his work in managing seven builders and large hotel clients.  

(photos courtesy of Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce)

Business of the Year – Scenic Shore Inn, presented by Chamber Board Director Jim Rabas of Algoma Motors (pictured with Bob Davis)

Rising Star – Yardstick: Bookshop and Gallery, presented by Sue Hass of the Algoma Book Corner. Yardstick, owned by Heidi Raak

Education – Emily Rankin, Algoma Elementary School presented by educators Jamie Robinson and Logan Reid

Employee of the Year – Seth Schroepfer, CTI Hospitality, presented by his employer Chet Kiedrowski.

Lighthouse Award for Volunteering – Abigail Robinson, presented by Teal Vanlanen, Rev. Jennifer Emert, Katie Horn, Erin Ballone and fellow Algoma High School students David Garrels, Anna McClure, and Elizabeth Jerome